Pretty they may be, but peacocks and peahens are a pluming nuisance.

That’s according to Paul Smith, 46, whose property has been a magnet to the birds for nearly 10 years.

During this time the exotic but feisty creatures have attacked his car and patio windows, causing hundreds of pounds worth of damage.

The company director, who runs safety management specialists, DDS (International) at the town’s Eurolink Industrial Centre, spoke out after a peahen was seen wandering in Sittingbourne town centre.

It was thought to be lost and also turned up in a resident’s garden in Borden - leading to speculation it could have flown from Leeds Castle or nearby Sittingbourne Golf Club.

But dad-of-one Mr Smith, who lives in Kingsborough Manor, Eastchurch, said he’s fairly certain it’s from a flock which has had him in a flap for about a decade.

He said: “I’m not 100% sure, but chances are she’s just made a short trip over the Swale.

“These birds appear to run wild on the Island, and like the Sittingbourne residents, at first we were amazed by them.

“But beware - they are the perfect modern-day nuisance.

“I was hoping for a lie-in on Sunday morning – not a chance.

“A high-pitch meowing from the front of the house woke us in the early hours.

“It was a peacock calling for a mate, and now we’re on alert for a car attack or worse.”

The Smiths are on vehicle watch after their two Fords were set upon by the birds last year.

It caused an estimated £800 of damage with their back patio windows also falling prey to the feathery menace.

"Beware - they are the perfect modern-day nuisance" - Paul Smith

Mr Smith said the violence is led by lust, as the mating season runs from March to September.

Peacocks turn territorial to defend their turf, meaning the highly-charged birds will fight their own reflection thinking another male is trying to wing it with their hens, hence anything with glass is often mistakenly targeted by their huge claws.

But that’s not all...

"They don’t care where they poop and they don’t do little ones,” Mr Smith said.

“They are essentially stupid and the only way to get rid of them is by chasing them away.”